KALAMAZOO — The holiday shopping season is in full swing, complete with large crowds roaming local malls and department stores.

But officials with a statewide auto-theft prevention program are reminding residents that while finding the best bargains and gifts may be important, they also need to be on the lookout for opportunistic car thieves.

Police agencies in the state report seeing an increase in the number of vehicle break-ins during the holiday season, according to Help Eliminate Auto Thefts (H.E.A.T.).

“The holidays are a joyous time of year filled with family gatherings and gift giving,” H.E.A.T. Director Terri Miller said in a news release issued Monday by the organization. “But, with overflowing parking lots and vehicles filled to the brim with purchases, the holidays are also a dream for car thieves.”

But not to fear.

H.E.A.T. officials said shoppers can take these steps to help prevent vehicle break-ins and thefts:

• Stay alert and watchful while walking to your vehicle. “Talking or texting on cell phones, digging for keys or juggling multiple packages can be a distraction, all of which make you an easy target,” H.E.A.T. Officials said.

• Place valuables and purchases in your trunk or out of view and make sure your vehicle is locked.

• Always remember where your vehicle is parked so you can walked directly to it “and “not spend unnecessary time wandering around the parking lot.”

• Move your car to another area of a parking lot if you return to your vehicle in the middle of a shopping trip. “This will deter a thief who may have been watching you unload your purchases and then return to shop,” H.E.A.T. Officials said.

• If threatened by a carjacker, give up your vehicle and do not resist or argue.